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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4. PC Draft Minutes - 09-17-14 DRAFT MINUTES REGULAR MEETING DOWNEY CITY PLANNING COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2014 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, 11111 BROOKSHIRE AVENUE DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA 6:30 P.M. Chairman Kiefer called the September 17, 2014, Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission to order at 6:34pm, at Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, CA. After the Flag Salute, the Secretary Cavanagh called roll. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Louis Morales, District 3 Matias Flores, District 4 Jim Rodríguez, District 5 Hector Lujan, District 1, Vice Chairman Robert Kiefer, District 2, Chairman COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None OTHERS PRESENT: Aldo E. Schindler, Director of Community Development Michelle Molko, Acting City Attorney William E. Davis, City Planner Mark Sellheim, Principal Planner Jessica Flores, Associate Planner Darlene Escobedo, Planning Intern Mary Cavanagh, Secretary PLANNING COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; AND CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS: Commissioner Morales requested that staff look into the bottlenecking of traffic on Florence and Paramount Blvd. Vice Chairman Lujan gave a brief overview of his recent attendance of the American Planning Association (APA) conference, and Chairman Kiefer invited everyone to Downey’s International Food Festival (IFF) on Saturday, September 20, 2014. PRESENTATIONS: None REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL ACTION: Director of Community Development Aldo E. Schindler reported that the City Council renewed the YMCA lease at 9066 Firestone Blvd for the annual Christmas tree lot. He also gave updates on CDBG Actions, with the announcement that the five-year action plan will begin soon for the CDBG funding. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. PLN-14-00020: (Sign) Continued from September 3, 2014: Chairman Kiefer opened the public hearing for PLN-14-00020, and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication. Commissioner Morales stated that he was present for the first hearing on this item, and missed the second hearing; however, he did watch the video of the September 3rd meeting and read the minutes, in order to participate in the hearing of this item. Commissioner Flores stated that although he missed the first hearing on June 18th, he did watch the video of that hearing and was present for the September 3rd hearing for this item; therefore, he will also participate in the public hearing for this item. Associate Planner Jessica Flores explained the Planning Commission’s reasons for the continuance of the request for a Planned Sign Program for an existing multi-tenant commercial building located at 11400-11438 Old Planning Commission Minutes September 17, 2014 - 2 - River School Road. Ms. Flores gave a brief PowerPoint presentation by reviewing the subject site, the surrounding uses, and the following revisions that were requested by the Planning Commission at the September 3, 2014 meeting: • “Old River Plaza” should be integrated into the overall design of the signs. • The freestanding sign and the monument sign should match the materials, colors, and design of the structures located on the subject site. • Include a cap on the stone/brick veneer components of the monument sign. Ms. Flores reminded the Commissioners that the cabinet signs are not included in the sign program; the existing cabinets will be replaced with new cabinets as new tenants request to change them out. Ms. Flores stated that the redesign of the sign meets most of the requirements per the Zoning Code; however, there is one discrepancy with the proposed square footage. The maximum sign area allowed is 80 square feet, and the applicant is proposing 96 square feet. The Downey Municipal Code Section 9610.04 (b) states that a Planned Sign Program may include deviations from the standards of the Sign Code, but the total sign area shall not exceed the total sign area otherwise as permitted, which is the case here as they are not exceeding the allowable square footage. Ms. Flores explained that the colors of the monument sign match the existing building at the site; the river rock veneer has been replaced with brick veneer to match the existing brick of the buildings located on the site and it will be painted to match the colors of the building; and the words “Old River Plaza” have been integrated into the design. Ms. Flores stated that the applicant met with her at the counter after the staff reports had been printed and advised her that he would like the option of choosing between the two colors that exist at the site today (almond and burnt almond). The Commissioners reviewed the existing cabinet signs and the applicants’ options, including the colors and fonts used when replacing the signs. Applicant/Owner Duane Alstrom, 39687 S. Old Arena Dr., Tucson, AZ, stated that he is requesting an audible in the field because he is not sure how it will look once it is painted. He wants to have the option to change the color, which will allow him to make the best decision in choosing the best color, and he is willing to have City Planner Davis include his opinion. Mr. Alstrom stated that he read and agreed to the conditions of approval. Chairman Kiefer closed the public hearing. Commissioner Rodriguez thanked Ms. Flores and the applicant for their work in making the changes that will better the center and the community; he would prefer the burnt almond color for the sign, however, he does not want to make it mandatory. Commissioner Flores thanked staff for their hard work, and he also prefers the burnt almond; however, both colors work in bringing uniformity with the building. He wants to give the applicant the option of the audible. Vice Chairman Lujan agreed with his fellow Commissioners and thinks that the sign will look fantastic. Commissioner Morales stated that he has no issues with the color, and would like to give the flexibility to the applicant in choosing the color. He hopes that the applicant will continue improving this site. Chairman Kiefer agreed with his fellow Commissioners, and thanked staff, together with Mr. Alstrom for working on improving the sign program. He said that the site is a key location and he believes that the applicant will be proud of it once it’s done. He also agrees that the applicant should have flexibility in choosing the color. It was moved by Commissioner Rodriguez, seconded by Commissioner Morales, and passed by a 5-0 vote; to adopt resolution 14-2983, thereby approving the request for a Planned Sign Program (PLN-14-00020) with modified conditions as stated. 2. PLN-14-00178: (Special Event Permit): Chairman Kiefer opened the public hearing for the request to approve PLN-14-00178, and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication. Planning Commission Minutes September 17, 2014 - 3 - Commissioner Morales advised the Commission that he is the President of the Boosters Club for Warren High School and therefore recused himself from this item and left the chambers. Planning Intern Darlene Escobedo gave a PowerPoint presentation of the request by Warren High school to conduct a three-day carnival on September 26, 27, and 28, 2014 on the parking lot of Warren High School, located at 8141 De Palma St, on property zoned R-1 5,000 (Single-Family Residential). Ms. Escobedo reviewed the site plan, rides, games, fun house, stage location and security plan for the event, noting that this is the 4th annual carnival which has operated with no complaints from Police or Fire. The hours of operation will be as follows: • Friday, September 26, 2014, between 5:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. • Saturday, September 27, 2014, between 1:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. • Sunday, September 28, 2014, between 1:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. The Commissioners reviewed the security plan and the increase in security with Ms. Escobedo. Ms. Escobedo stated that the stage will be used for student performances, and the speakers are to be directed away from the residential neighbors. The conditions also include cleaning during and after the event, with street sweeping on the last night. As such, Ms. Escobedo recommended approval of the request for a Special Event Permit, subject to the conditions of approval. Applicant Russ Heicke, 5615 Pageantry, Long Beach, stated that he is the Warren High School Athletic Director. Mr. Heicke confirmed that he reviewed the changes in the security plan, explaining that in the last three (3) years, they hired four (4) security guards. This year, they will have three (3) hired security guards and one member of the school security to assist them in identifying the students. Commissioner Rodriguez asked if there would be a charge for parking, to which Mr. Heicke stated that they will request a $2 donation. Handicap parking is free of charge. Commissioner Rodriguez expressed his concerns and asked Mr. Heicke to have clear signs to show that the parking charge is a “Donation”. Mr. Heicke stated that he read and agreed to the conditions of approval. Chairman Kiefer closed the public hearing. The Commissioners commented that there have been no problems in the past with this annual event and conditions are in place to address any that may occur. They appreciated the proactive approach in making the revisions to the security plan and wished them good luck. It was moved by Vice Chairman Lujan and seconded by Commissioner Rodriguez and passed by a 4-0-1 vote, with Chairman Morales abstaining, to adopt Resolution 14-2894, thereby approving the request for a Special Event Permit (PLN-14-00178) subject to conditions of approval. Commissioner Morales returned to the Council Chambers. NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS: None CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS: 3. Approval of the Minutes from September 3, 2014 4. PLN-14-00169: (VACATION): Summary Vacation abandoning the alley easement overlaying the property at 10909 Lakewood Blvd. Commissioner Rodriguez requested that Item 4. of the Consent Calendar be pulled for discussion. Planning Commission Minutes September 17, 2014 - 4 - It was moved by Commissioner Flores, seconded by Commissioner Rodriguez, and passed by a 4-0-1 vote, with Commissioner Morales’ abstention, to approve Item No. 3 of the Consent Calendar. PLN-14-00169: (VACATION): Summary Vacation abandoning the alley easement overlaying the property at 10909 Lakewood Blvd. Commissioner Rodriguez asked what happens to the property once it is given up by the City. Principal Planner Mark Sellheim stated that the property owner granted an easement and the property is then returned to the owner. Chairman Kiefer asked for the zoning, to which Principal Planner Sellheim stated that it is zoned Professional Office. It was moved by Commissioner Morales and seconded by Commissioner Rodriguez, and passed by a 5-0 vote, to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar. OTHER BUSINESS: None. STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: Director Schindler advised the Commissioners that the Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital (PIH) is going to celebrate their one-year anniversary in Downey, and they acquired the Brookshire Medical Offices. Director Schindler added that the owner of the former Cadillac dealership is thinking of demolishing that building; he hopes that they adhere to the Specific Plan for that area and get some good strong automotive uses there. Chairman Kiefer asked if there were any updates on the old Gemco building across the street, to which Director Schindler stated that it is the same situation and same owner as the Cadillac dealership. They are entertaining several different uses for each site. Michelle Molko with Rutan and Tucker introduced herself, stating that she was present for this hearing to fill in for City Attorney Yvette Abich-Garcia, whom she has been working with recently. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to discuss, Chairman Kiefer adjourned the meeting at 7:20 pm, to Wednesday, October 1, 2014, at 6:30 pm at Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Ave. APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 15th day of October, 2014. Robert Kiefer, Chairman City Planning Commission I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Minutes were duly approved at a Regular meeting of the Planning Commission held on the 15th day of October, 2014, by the following vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: NOES: COMMISSIONERS: Mary Cavanagh, Secretary City Planning Commission